The Ultimate Joshua Tree National Park Quiz

Joshua Tree National Park is located in one of the harshest environments in the United States. Some of the park's noteworthy features include the tree for which it is named, ridges that provide breathtaking vistas, and several desert oases. Take this quiz to learn more about California's Joshua Tree National Park.

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Question 1 of 20

How did writer J. Smeaton Chase describe the Joshua tree?

“One can scarcely find a term of ugliness to that is not apt to describe this plant.”

"One can scarcely find a term of ugliness that is not apt for this plant," he wrote. If you ask visitors to Joshua Tree National Park, they are likely to say the trees are extremely ugly or uniquely beautiful.

“There is no existing term of ugliness that is apt to describe this plant.”

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however no beholder can find beauty in this plant.”

Question 2 of 20

In what state is the Joshua Tree National Park located?

Arizona

California

The park is located in the southeastern part of the State of California, on the border between San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Nevada

Question 3 of 20

How many campgrounds are available to campers in the park?

six

nine

There are nine campgrounds situated in the park. All campgrounds are open year round and some require reservations.

twelve

Question 4 of 20

Although the plant is referred to as a Joshua tree, what kind of tree is it in reality?

piñon pine

California juniper

yucca

The Joshua tree is actually an oversized yucca. The tree is commonly found growing in rural graveyards in the Midwest, where it is known as "ghosts in the graveyard” since its flowers appear to be floating when it is in bloom.

Question 5 of 20

To what family of flower does the Joshua tree or yucca belong?

lily

The Joshua tree or yucca is actually a member of the lily family. The tree is notable for its odd shape, rosettes of evergreen with tough, sword-shaped leaves, and large terminal clusters of white flowers.

orchid

pisonia

Question 6 of 20

What is the average amount of annual rainfall received in the area of Joshua Tree National Park?

about eight inches

about six inches

about four inches

An average of about four inches (10 cm) of precipitation falls annually in the parched area of Joshua Tree National Park and strong dry winds are common the year around.

Question 7 of 20

What is a typical high temperature on a summer’s day in the park?

120

110

In Joshua Tree National Park, the temperatures soar to more than 110 degrees F (43 C) in summer and dip well below freezing in the winter. The Joshua tree survives the arid conditions by soaking up maximum moisture during rare showers and minimizing evaporation during long periods of drought.

105

Question 8 of 20

What vegetable is the blossoming flower of the Joshua tree said to resemble?

cauliflower

broccoli

artichoke

Once a year after a heavy spring rain, the Joshua tree sprouts a spectacular, bizarre-looking blossom that resembles an artichoke with creamy yellow petals.

Question 9 of 20

How many distinct ecological zones exist within the borders of Joshua Tree National Park?

one

three

Three ecological zones exist within the borders of Joshua Tree National Park.

four

Question 10 of 20

Where in the park is the Joshua tree forest found?

the Mojave Desert

The Joshua tree forest is found in the Mojave Desert, which is in the western half of the park. In fact, the Mojave Desert's boundaries are defined by the presence of the Joshua trees, which is an indicator species for this desert.

the Eureka Peak

the Colorado Desert

Question 11 of 20

What is the range of elevation of the Mojave Desert?

between 1,500 and 4,000 feet

between 2,000 and 5,000 feet

In the Mojave Desert, which means High Desert, elevation ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 feet with a few peaks that exceed 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). In this area of the park, you can find jumbled granite formations that are very popular with rock climbers.

between 2,500 and 5,800 feet

Question 12 of 20

In what mountains is the Mojave Desert located?

Little San Bernardino Mountains

San Gabriel Mountains

both of the above

The Mojave Desert located in the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains. The mountains boundaries are clearly outlined by the San Andreas and the Garlock Faults.

Question 13 of 20

What is the lowest elevation in the Colorado Desert where part of the Joshua tree National park sits?

275 feet below sea level

The majority of the Colorado Desert is less than 1,000 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the desert sits 275 feet below sea level at Salton Sea.

120 feet below sea level

50 feet below sea level

Question 14 of 20

What is the typical vegetation that grows in the Colorado Desert part of the park?

Joshua trees

creosote bush

The Colorado Desert portion of the park is dominated by creosote bush. You can also find patches of spindly ocotillo cactus and spiny cholla cactus.

fan palms

Question 15 of 20

How many oases can you find that are located in the park?

three

five

The Joshua Tree National Park has five oases located within its boundaries. In stark contrast to the harsh desert environment, these oases are a haven surrounded by dense stands of fan palms and lush green plants.

seven

Question 16 of 20

How big is the Joshua Tree National Park?

790,000 acres

The Joshua Tree National Park extends over 1,234 square miles (3,196 square kilometers). It is slightly larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

550,000 acres

390,000 acres

Question 17 of 20

If you wanted to hike the path to Lost Palms Oasis, how far would you have to walk?

two miles

four miles

The hike to Lost Palms Oasis follows a path that is four miles (6.4 kilometers) long. Lost Palms Oasis is in a steep sheltered ravine where you can find over 100 rare California fan palm trees.

seven miles

Question 18 of 20

What often-snowy mountain peaks can you see from the hiking trail that ends at Eureka Peak?

the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio

A hiking trail to Eureka Peak takes visitors to a ridge overlooking the peaks of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains. The peak of mount San Jacinto lies within the Mount San Jacinto State Park and the San Gorgonio Mountain peak is the highest in southern California.

the San Bernardino and San Gorgonio

the San Jacinto and San Antonio

Question 19 of 20

In what year did Mormon pioneers pass through the Mojave Desert and give the name Joshua to the trees from which the park derives its name?

1828

1837

1851

The Mormons named the yucca trees Joshua trees in 1851, because they were inspired to continue their journey by the limbs beckoning them across the desert. It reminded them of the way Joshua called forth the Israelites in biblical times.

Question 20 of 20

What is the name of the desert city that is closest to Joshua Tree National Park?

Twentynine Palms

The closest city to the park is Twentynine Palms, which is just outside the park. The famous resort city of Palm Springs is just 40 miles away.